Summer camp adventures, away from home, friends and family can be a life-changing experience for many children, and the Salvation Army is hoping to help a group of would-be campers make it to their camping destination.

The camp is Camp Walter Johnson, located outside of Greensboro in Denton. The weeklong Christian-based camps run throughout the summer at a cost of $200 per camper. Forty local campers want to attend — the only questions is paying their way to camp, according to Lt. Bruce Rabon Jr., Salvation Army Corps Officer overseeing Beaufort, Bertie, Hyde, Martin, Tyrell and Washington counties.

“Unfortunately, we do not have the money to send them. This is why we are asking the community’s help in giving these kids what might be an opportunity of a lifetime,” Rabon said.

According to the Camp Walter Johnson website, the facility and its programs have impacted over 55,000 children since the camp opened in 1974. Catering to children ages six to 18, from all socioeconomic backgrounds, camp programming serves to meet the children’s spiritual, social, recreational and educational needs, the website states. In addition to Bible study, camp activities include boating, swimming, archery and tackling a multi-story skills course, complete with wall climbing, rope bridges, rappelling, zip-lining and more.

“This is a wonderful, structured opportunity for kids who may never have the chance to get out of Washington and meet other kids from North or South Carolina,” Rabon said.

Last year, the Salvation Army sent six children out of the local foster care system to the camp. This year is an expansion of that effort. The goal is to collect enough money to send the 40 Beaufort County children to camp — a total of $8,000. In order to make it happen, Rabon is reaching out to the greater community to help.

“We’re just trying to get any financial donation that we can in any amount to go towards it,” Rabon said, adding that donors can sign on for full-, half- and quarter-sponsorships, or donate whatever they can. “Anything at this point would help. We’re just trying to raise the money to send these kids.”

For more information about sponsoring at child at Camp Walter Johnson, contact Rabon at 252-946-2523, ext. 222, or send checks to The Salvation Army, 112 E. Seventh St., Washington.